Design and General Characteristics of Marine Gill Nets of Kerala

Abstract

Gill nets are the most commonly used gear depended upon by the maximum fishermen in all the districts of Kerala. Results of a study on the marine gill nets of Kerala undertaken during May 1999 to June 2000 are reported in this communication. Nets of different mesh sizes ranging from 14 to 250 mm targeted at different groups of fishes are prevalent along the coast. The nets are classified into different groups and the technical specifications of each type are detailed. Polyamide (PA) monofilament has almost completely replaced PA multifilament in all the nets except those targeted for anchovy white sardine and seer. Fishermen often use nets of different mesh sizes, connected end to end, in a fleet of net landing all size groups of fishes.